12 nature experiences in Switzerland - from tranquillity to adventure

Writer: Helena Bergström

Here are 12 nature experiences in Switzerland. This small Alpine country offers fantastic nature in the form of high mountains, large glaciers, shimmering lakes and roaring waterfalls. Nature can be experienced in many different ways, such as hiking, cycling, camping, train journeys and boat trips.

Nature experiences in Switzerland

Switzerland is one of the most beautiful countries we have visited in Europe. We've travelled around the country by car, bus, motorhome and train, and it's stunningly beautiful. almost everywhere. Sometimes we are actually surprised that Swedes travel so little in Switzerland. "Isn't it expensive?", we often hear. And yes, the price level is relatively high, but it is certainly not impossible to travel here. And Swedes do travel in Norway?

You can definitely travel in Switzerland without it having to be unnecessarily expensive. Just like in other countries, you can choose to travel by motorhome, camp, stay in simple accommodation, cook your own food sometimes, etc. Switzerland also has campsites and grocery stores such as Lidl.

Although Switzerland is outside the EU, there are now agreements so that the internet no longer needs to be more expensive (but be sure to double-check with your operator). To drive a car in the country, you do have to pay for a whole year, but the fee is still quite modest compared to many other countries.

Currently it costs 40 CHF (about 373 SEK) to buy one Swiss Motorhome Sticker which is valid for a full year. Please note that you may need to buy two tags if you are towing a caravan and that caravans over 3.5 tonnes pay at a different rate.

Twelve nature experiences in Switzerland

Here are 12 fantastic nature experiences in Switzerland that we can recommend. All are based on our own experiences and travelling in the country.

1st choir "Grand Tour of Switzerland"

One way to experience Switzerland's amazing nature is to drive along the "Grand Tour of Switzerland". By following this signposted route, you know you'll experience everything from soaring mountains to dramatic glaciers, as well as charming villages and interesting towns. The road is suitable for cars and motorbikes, and if you're driving a larger motorhome you may need to take an alternative route in some places.

2. Experience Switzerland from a train window

What's fascinating about Switzerland is that the landscape is so beautiful, almost everywhere. To experience Switzerland from a train window is impressive. We have taken the train route Zurich-Sion and the route Sion-Zermatt. Both trips were beautiful, and the latter was extraordinary with dramatic views from panoramic windows.

3. Stay in the car-free town of Zermatt

Zermatt is a charming little town in the mountains of southern Switzerland. In the winter, many people come here to ski, and in the summer, you can hike or mountain bike. Cars are prohibited in the small town, which makes it feel close to nature and almost a bit ”old-fashioned”.

4. Ride downhill on a mountain bike

One of our very best experiences in Switzerland was when we went downhill mountain biking in Zermatt. First a cable car and gondola up the mountain and then a gentle roll down on the bikes. Breathtakingly beautiful everywhere!

READ MORE: Mountain biking in Zermatt, Switzerland

5. Visit the Lavaux wine region

Do you like wine and beautiful scenery? Then you will enjoy the Lavaux wine region, located on the shores of Lake Geneva, about an hour's drive from Geneva. Here you can walk in beautiful surroundings, visit vineyards and eat good food.

READ MORE: The Lavaux wine region in Switzerland - and Chaplin's world

6. Try hang gliding in Interlaken

Looking for adventure and excitement? Try hang gliding over beautiful Interlaken. If you want a quieter adventure, you can take a quiet boat trip across the beautiful Lake Brienz. Beautifully located in Brienz, right next to the water, there is also a nice campsite.

READ MORE: Hang gliding in Interlaken and boat trip on Lake Brienz

7. Swim through the capital of Switzerland

What, a nature experience in a capital city? Yes, in Switzerland it really is possible! Through Bern The Aare River flows here and Bernese people love to swim here, perhaps during their lunch break. We tried it, and it was a wonderfully refreshing experience! Just remember to check with the locals where you need to get up.

8. Take a train journey up Mount Pilatus.

Lucerne is an incredibly beautiful city, and from here you can visit the high mountain Pilatus. We did the excursion "The Golden Tour" which means that you start with a boat trip to Alpnachstad, where you take a train (!) up to the top. On the way down you take a cable car instead.

READ MORE: Beautiful Lucerne in Switzerland and Mount Pilatus

9. See the rushing Rhine Falls

Rhine Falls is located in northern Switzerland and is Europe's second widest waterfall, with a width of 150 meters and a drop of 23 meters. We were here during an unusually dry period, but it was still great to see the waterfall, especially from the boat trip that brought us right up close.

10. Admire the view from Hoher Kasten mountain

If you visit the charming and interesting little the town of Apenzell In northeastern Switzerland, you can also take the opportunity to climb the Hoher Kasten mountain. You can go up by cable car and at the top you have a completely fantastic View. There is also a rotating restaurant up here, so you have views in all directions while enjoying a Swiss meal.

11. Hiking in Verbier

Verbier is a famous ski resort in southwestern Switzerland. In the summer, you can come here to hike or cycle in the beautiful Alpine landscape, which Peter did on a press trip. One day they went to the Corbassière glacier, at an altitude of 2,641 meters. The second day they climbed the Pierre Avoi mountain, first with electric mountain bikes and then on foot. Exhausting, but stunningly beautiful!

12. Camping with a motorhome, caravan or tent

Switzerland is a great place to discover by motorhome or car and caravan or tent. There are plenty of campsites, many of which are located close to nature by mountains or lakes. For example, we liked camping Aaregg in Brienz and camping Geneva Vésenaz in Geneva. 

READ MORE: Travelling by motorhome in Switzerland - Grand Tour of Switzerland

More nature experiences in Switzerland

There are of course even more possible nature experiences in Switzerland. In winter, skiing and snowboarding are popular. In summer, you can also try adventures such as rafting, horse riding and bird watching. Here you can read about even more what to see and do in Switzerland.

What are your experiences with nature in Switzerland?

Do you have any experiences with nature in Switzerland? Please tell us! If not, is there anything that attracts you, and if so, what?